Terrell Watson Explained

Terrell Watson
Number:35, 39
Position:Running back
Birth Date:22 August 1993
Birth Place:Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:1
Weight Lbs:240
High School:Oxnard (CA)
College:Azusa Pacific
Undraftedyear:2015
Pastteams:
Highlights:
  • NFLPA Collegiate Bowl MVP (2015)
Statlabel1:Rushing attempts
Statvalue1:14
Statlabel2:Rushing yards
Statvalue2:36
Statlabel3:Rushing touchdowns
Statvalue3:1
Statlabel4:Receptions
Statvalue4:1
Statlabel5:Receiving yards
Statvalue5:5
Statlabel6:Receiving touchdowns

Terrell Anthony Watson (born August 22, 1993) is a former American football running back. He played college football at Azusa Pacific. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2015.

Watson has also been a member of the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and San Diego Fleet.

Early years

Watson was born in Los Angeles, California, on August 22, 1993, and was raised by his maternal grandparents Billy and Janice Watson after his mother abandoned him.[1] Watson's mother was 15 years old at the time.

Watson went on to star in football at Oxnard High School in Oxnard, California. In 2010, he led the entire CIF in rushing, finishing with 2,905 yards (along with 37 touchdowns) to rank sixth in the nation.[2]

In 2016, Watson began to open up about his background, talking about his speech impediment, and bullying that occurred due to his lisp. He talked with a lisp, had an inability to read and found it difficult to understand simple concepts in elementary school, which caused him to be bullied, teased and looked down upon by fellow pupils. However, Watson overcame his early-life struggles, moving from remedial-level or special education classes to normal classes by late middle school, which he credited to his teachers who helped him. Due to his educational background, he did not receive any scholarship offers coming out of high school, which led him to Azusa Pacific.[3] [4]

College career

During his college career, Watson scored 79 touchdowns and rushed for nearly 6,000 yards for Azusa Pacific.[5] He broke every rushing record at the school, which were previously held by NFL player Christian Okoye.

Watson ran for 2,212 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior in the 2014 season. He went on to be named MVP of the January 2015 edition of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.[6]

Professional career

After completing his senior season, Watson declared for the NFL draft and received an invitation to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. On January 17, 2015, Watson had nine carries for 55 yards and a touchdown as the National team won the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and defeated the American team 17-0. Watson and the National team were coached by former St. Louis Rams' head coach Mike Martz as Watson won the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl MVP award for his performance.[7] Watson was not among the 35 collegiate running backs who received an invitation to the NFL Combine.[8] On March 9, 2015, Watson participated at Azusa Pacific's pro day, along with five other teammates. He performed positional and combine drills for team representatives and scouts from 15 NFL teams. Running backs coaches from the Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals, and Arizona Cardinals attended Azusa’s pro day, with the Texans' coach primarily running his workout. Watson attended a pre-draft visit with the Bengals and received the most interest from them.[9] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Watson was projected to be a seventh round pick or priority undrafted free agent by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the 25th best running back in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com.[10]

Cincinnati Bengals

On May 2, 2015, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Watson to a three-year, $1.58 million contract after he went undrafted in the 2015 NFL draft.[11] Throughout training camp, Watson competed for a roster spot against BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Rex Burkhead,Cedric Peerman, and James Wilder Jr.[12] On September 5, 2015, the Bengals waived Watson and signed him to their practice squad the following day, where he spent the entire season.[13] [14] [15]

Cleveland Browns

On January 21, 2016, the Cleveland Browns signed Watson to a reserve/futures contract.[16]

Throughout training camp, he competed for a roster spot against Glenn Winston, Raheem Mostert, Rajion Neal, and Jahwan Edwards.[17] On September 4, 2016, he was waived by the Browns a day after making the initial 53-man roster and was signed to the practice squad the next day.[18] [19] He was released by the Browns on October 26, 2016.[20]

Denver Broncos

On November 2, 2016, Watson was signed to the Denver Broncos' practice squad.[21] He was released by the Broncos on December 14, 2016.[22]

Philadelphia Eagles

On December 20, 2016, Watson was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad.[23] He was promoted to the active roster on December 30, 2016.[24] He scored his first career touchdown on a one-yard run on January 1, 2017, in his NFL debut against the Dallas Cowboys.[25] He totaled nine carries for 28 yards in the 27–13 victory.[26] On May 4, 2017, he was released by the Eagles.[27]

Pittsburgh Steelers

On May 18, 2017, Watson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.[28] Watson agreed to a one-year, $465,000 contract.[29]

Throughout training camp, Watson competed for a roster spot against Fitzgerald Toussaint, Knile Davis, and Trey Williams. He finished the 2017 preseason with 37 carries for 173 yards and one touchdown, as well as six receptions for 47 receiving yards. Head coach Mike Tomlin named Watson the third running back on the depth chart behind Le'Veon Bell and James Conner.[30] [31] He was assigned as the short yardage and third down back.

Watson made his regular season debut in the Steelers season-opening 21-18 victory over the Cleveland Browns.[32] The following week, Watson had his first carry of the year for a one-yard gain during a 26–9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.[33] On November 25, 2017, the Steelers released Watson and was re-signed to the practice squad three days later.[34] [35] Overall, he had five carries for eight rushing yards to go along with seven kick returns for 140 net yards in the 2017 season.[36]

New York Giants

On January 24, 2018, Watson signed a reserve/future contract with the New York Giants.[37] He was waived by the Giants on May 7, 2018.[38]

Los Angeles Chargers

On August 22, 2018, Watson was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers.[39] He was waived on September 1, 2018.[40]

San Diego Fleet

On September 28, 2018, Watson was signed by the San Diego Fleet.[41] The league ceased operations in April 2019.[42]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Once abandoned, Terrell Watson survives and thrives at Azusa Pacific. https://web.archive.org/web/20131208171724/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/nov/11/sports/la-sp-1112-terrell-watson-20131112. dead. December 8, 2013. DiGiovanna. Mike. November 11, 2013. Los Angeles Times. en-US. 0458-3035. April 15, 2016.
  2. News: Aird . Donovan . November 19, 2010 . Playoffs have new look this season . S1 . The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA).
  3. Web site: Terrell Watson's amazing journey to NFL . Press of Atlantic City . December 31, 2016 . January 1, 2016.
  4. Web site: Eagles promote RB with remarkable story to roster . Penn Live . December 30, 2016 . January 1, 2016.
  5. Web site: 2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Terrell Watson. Pro Football Spot. en-US. April 15, 2016.
  6. Web site: About the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl . nflpa.com . January 30, 2023 . January 31, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230131035716/http://collegiate.nflpa.com/about/ . dead .
  7. Web site: NFLPA Collegiate Bowl 2015: Highlights, Top Performers Who Boosted Draft Stock. December 10, 2017. bleacherreport.com. Nate Loop. January 18, 2015.
  8. Web site: 2015 NFL Scouting Combine participants: Running backs. https://web.archive.org/web/20171210233826/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000468981/article/2015-nfl-scouting-combine-participants-running-backs?akmobile=android&akcarrier=other. dead. December 10, 2017. December 10, 2017. NFL.com. February 6, 2015.
  9. Web site: Bengals show interest in Azusa Pacific running back at pro day. December 10, 2017. NFL.com. Gil Brandt. April 19, 2015.
  10. Web site: Terrell Watson, DS #25 RB, Azusa Pacific. December 10, 2017. nfldraftscout.com.
  11. Web site: Bengals announce undrafted free agents signed. Marcum. Jason. Toback. Rebecca. CincyJungle.com. May 8, 2015. April 21, 2017.
  12. Web site: How Rex Burkhead at WR impacts Bengals roster. December 10, 2017. cincyjungle.com. Jason Marcum. July 21, 2015.
  13. Web site: Bengals roster cuts: Bengals 53-man roster 2015. Toback, Rebecca. CincyJungle.com. September 5, 2015. April 21, 2017.
  14. Web site: Cincinnati Bengals 2015 practice squad announced. Kirkendall, Josh. CincyJungle.com. September 6, 2015. April 21, 2017.
  15. Web site: Each player on Bengals' practice squad opened camp with them. December 10, 2017. ESPN.com. Coley Harvey. September 6, 2015.
  16. Web site: Browns sign RB Terrell Watson. ClevelandBrowns.com. April 15, 2016. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20171211213553/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-sign-RB-Terrell-Watson/09d41370-e7f7-4b89-81cc-f796a86be4dd. December 11, 2017.
  17. Web site: Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns depth chart: 07/01/2016. December 11, 2017. Ourlads.com.
  18. Web site: Browns claim 5 players, sign 4 to practice squad. ClevelandBrowns.com. September 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20170824094014/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-claim-5-players-sign-4-to-practice-squad/a95c38d8-8690-446a-b808-ebd134e55f44. August 24, 2017.
  19. Web site: Browns complete practice squad with 3 signings. ClevelandBrowns.com. September 5, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20171211213532/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-complete-practice-squad-with-3-signings/602e6acb-526e-4570-9663-2b740fc93309. December 11, 2017.
  20. Web site: Browns sign 3 to practice squad. Browns.com. October 26, 2016. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20170903032853/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-sign-3-to-practice-squad/0b3ee2ee-3ebf-44a6-8990-5d50a7f99c6a. September 3, 2017.
  21. Web site: Broncos sign RB Terrell Watson to practice squad. Swanson, Ben. DenverBroncos.com. November 2, 2016. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180116145833/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-sign-RB-Terrell-Watson-to-practice-squad/b458cf8d-9d2e-4af3-bd0e-4353dc085b0c. January 16, 2018.
  22. Web site: Broncos sign RB Zac Brooks, released Terrell Watson from practice squad. Swanson, Ben. DenverBroncos.com. December 14, 2016. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180116141413/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-sign-RB-Zac-Brooks-released-Terrell-Watson-from-practice-squad/3c595b46-7762-46f7-9ec4-0d1ee61f3682. January 16, 2018.
  23. Web site: Eagles Sign RB Terrell Watson To Practice Squad, Release TE Marcel Jensen. December 20, 2016. NFLTradeRumors.com.
  24. Web site: Terrell Watson Will Make Debut Vs. Dallas. Stokes, Frankie. PhiladelphiaEagles.com. December 30, 2016. dead. December 30, 2016. December 31, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161231075645/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Terrell-Watson-Will-Make-Debut-Vs-Dallas/e600a788-3dcb-430f-b02f-b6cd32428650.
  25. Web site: Eagles beat Cowboys in season finale . Weinberg . David . January 1, 2017 . The Press of Atlantic City.
  26. Web site: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles - January 1st, 2017 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en . April 27, 2018.
  27. Web site: Eagles release three players. Mangels, Dave. BleedingGreenNation.com. May 4, 2017.
  28. Web site: Green released; Watson signed. Varley, Teresa. Steelers.com. May 18, 2017. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180503084056/http://www.steelers.com/news/transactions/article-1/Green-released-Watson-signed/2e5ccbe5-51cd-4e09-b322-fb504a290295. May 3, 2018.
  29. Web site: Spotrac.com: Terrell Watson contract. December 10, 2017. Spotrac.com.
  30. Web site: Steelers' Terrell Watson: Listed at bottom of depth chart. December 10, 2017. cbssports.com. Rotowire staff. September 6, 2017.
  31. Web site: Ourlads.com: Pittsburgh Steelers depth chart: 09/01/2017. October 6, 2017. ourlads.com.
  32. Web site: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns - September 10th, 2017 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en . April 27, 2018.
  33. Web site: NFL Player Profile: Terrell Watson. October 6, 2017. NFL.com.
  34. Web site: Steelers activate Toussaint. Varley, Teresa. Steelers.com. November 25, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20180131164746/http://www.steelers.com/news/article-4/Steelers-activate-Toussaint/8e45e37b-ca6a-4f14-bad4-ccfdb5ec557f. January 31, 2018.
  35. Web site: Pittsburgh Steelers sign Terrell Watson to practice squad. December 10, 2017. 247sports.com. Sam Quinn. November 28, 2017.
  36. Web site: Terrell Watson 2017 Game Log . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en . April 27, 2018.
  37. Web site: Former Steelers' RB Terrell Watson signs with Giants. 247Sports.com. January 24, 2018.
  38. Web site: Giants waive five players ahead of rookie minicamp. Eisen, Michael. Giants.com. May 7, 2018. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180508121457/http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-waive-five-players-ahead-of-rookie-minicamp/24060e90-060c-4c3d-8d01-8b60dc7842c5. May 8, 2018.
  39. Web site: Bolts Sign RB Terrell Watson. Henne, Ricky. Chargers.com. August 22, 2018.
  40. Web site: Chargers Cut Roster Down to 53. Henne, Ricky. Chargers.com. September 1, 2018.
  41. News: Nguyen. Alexander. San Diego AAF Pro Football Team, the Fleet, Signs Former USD, Poway Star. Times of San Diego. September 28, 2018. January 30, 2019.
  42. Web site: Rothstein . Michael . Wickersham . Seth . June 13, 2019 . Inside the short, unhappy life of the Alliance of American Football . January 9, 2024 . ESPN.com.

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